The Voice of "Sarai"

"And Abram agreed with Sarai's proposal." Genesis 16:2b

It's so interesting to me the phrases and words that the Holy Spirit draws our attention to when we read scripture.

In Genesis 15-16 we read of God repeating His covenant promise to Abram. I love that God confirms His incredible promise multiple times, but instead of trusting and waiting for God to fulfill His promise His way, Sarai steps in to provide a suggestion.

When God speaks a word to our hearts I think we have to be cautious of two things: who we share the revelation with, and we must resolve in advance how we will respond to their reply. Even well-meaning, believing family and friends won't always share our enthusiasm and commitment, sometimes even causing us to doubt that God spoke at all.

I'm not suggesting that we can't gain wisdom and godly counsel from others. The Bible encourages us to do so (Proverbs 15:22). Nor am I in any way saying that if we are married we shouldn't share things with our spouse. However, we need to watch our obedience. Definitely some prayerful consideration should be given to any caution or advice we lovingly receive. It could be that in our enthusiasm we are rushing ahead. Often in scripture we see where a promise spoken precedes a time of watching and waiting. We don't want to be reckless in a revelation, but respond with discernment and direction from the Holy Spirit.

Up until this point in scripture Sarai's name has not been mentioned as the mother of the baby, so we could argue that Sarai's idea to have Hagar as a surrogate was culturally common, but we must remember that this path was a sin against God's plan for marriage. In Genesis 2:24 we read of God's design for one man and one woman coming together in a one-flesh relationship. I can guarantee that a promise from God is never fulfilled through sin. Disobedience will never be part of the fulfillment of a promise from God.

Without any delay, Abram agrees with Sarai's proposal. So eager to see the promise begin they take matters into their own hands.

I'm thinking of times when God has very clearly, without a doubt, spoken a direction over an area of my life. I mean it is completely obvious what He desires. Confirmation often follows through further scripture and I know that I know that I know what God is asking of me. Sadly "Sarai's" still arise. They down-play God's word, discourage obedience and doubt the fulfillment. In times like these, don't be quick to dismiss what God has spoken, but fall to your knees and hear again His voice. May His words speak clearer than the chatter around you and may your heart keep believing as you courageously walk in obedience.

** After hitting "Post", I opened a daily email devotional I receive from Living With Power Ministries. It ties in so perfectly and adds such value to my thoughts today. If you don't subscribe to this free, e-devotional I encourage you to do so: https://www.livingwithpower.org/powerminute/   Here is today's reading:

Living in the gap

And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord. - Luke 1:45

First comes the promise, then comes our receiving the promise, and finally comes the hard part: the part where we must wait for the promise to be fulfilled. That's where true faith must show up. That's where true faith grows. I call it "life in the gap."

Mary, the mother of Jesus shows us how to live in the gap. In Luke 1:45 it says: "Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord."

After being told that she was chosen to carry the Messiah, she believed God even though His plan sounded crazy to her human mind and waited patiently on God. She trusted that if God has said it, He will surely fulfill it.

That's life in the gap and I have a feeling you're familiar with that place. If you're living between the promise and the fulfillment of the promise, you're not alone.

Like Mary, resolve not just to receive God's promises in submission and trust, but be willing to wait for the fulfillment of the promise. When you do, you too will be found blessed.

Lina AbuJamra

Family Ties

"...Abram said to Lot, 'Let's not allow this conflict to come between us...After all, we are close relatives!'" Genesis 13:8

As a child I would often approach my parents at any gift giving time and ask what they wanted for their birthday, anniversary or Christmas. Without fail my mom always answered in the exact same way. She would say her greatest desire was knowing that everyone was happy and that my two sisters and I always remained friends. She knew how tender relationships can be and the enemies longing to destroy families.

Abram obviously had a wonderful sense of kinship also. His family ties were strong. Not only did he act quickly to resolve the conflict that was arising, but he completely surrendered any of his longings, giving his nephew Lot opportunity to make the first decision on his choice of land.

I am thankful that from a young age my parents instilled the value of family on my heart. Do we ever argue or get upset with one another? Oh boy, that's a definite 'yes'!, but we are very quick to resolve issues and before you know it we are hugging and asking the Lord to forgive us and restore our love for one another. Often when my twin sister and I were bickering as children, mom would start to sing, "Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me, All His tender compassion and purity, All His nature divine, All my nature refine, 'Til the beauty of Jesus is seen in me." It's pretty hard to keep a fight going with that song being serenaded. I often wonder if we stopped our disagreement quickly because the Spirit tendered our young hearts by the lyrics, or we just wanted to silence mom. Whichever the case, it worked.

Yesterday I spent a lot of time going through old photos. Boxes and albums filled with pictorial memories. One thing that blessed me over and over again was the number of snapshots of family gatherings around a table. Not all were initiated because of a specific celebration. Many of the moments together were not "have to's", but "want to's". We genuinely love being together. The smiles around the table give testimony to that love.

Today let's focus on family. Distanced relationships, not in proximity but intimacy, may exist. It's not too late. If the divide seems unsurpassable remember that nothing is impossible with God. Start today by praying for that parent, sibling or cousin and don't allow the conflict that came before you to remain. May the Lord restore and bring healing, and even if you feel you are completely innocent, do whatever you can so the beauty of Jesus is seen in you. 

An Unsettled Heart

"He was headed for the land of Canaan, but they stopped at Haran and settled there." Genesis 11:31b

After hours of cleaning, tidying, running errands, exhausted I sit down, telling myself I'm just taking a five minute break with full intention of moving shortly and continuing the list of things I need to accomplish. However, often five minutes leads to ten and before I know it at least half an hour has passed. My enthusiasm to get up and attend to the next task has waned. 

In the scripture text above Terah, Abram, Sarai and Lot start to head to the land of Canaan, but for whatever reason they stop. They don't reach the location they intended. Their stop wasn't fleeting because we find out they settle in Haran.  Don't misunderstand, I'm not in any way implying we don't need periods of rest, but stopping becomes a deterrent when it distracts us from our destination and becomes our dwelling.

Has the Lord called me to anything in this New Year? Equally important has He called me away from anything? Partial obedience is not obedience. May I not be satisfied with anything less than all God desires of me.

Dear Lord, as I walk into this New Year, grant me followship. Guide my steps in righteousness and keep my feet from following evil. Help me pursue peace, flee temptations and run the race You have chosen for me. Do not allow me to stray if wider, open paths appear easier. When I want to stop and sit on the bench of complacency, unsettle my heart and cause it to beat again with a rhythm of renewed passion and desire. Help me not to make excuses, but give me courage to climb each mountain, patience in every valley and strength for the rugged terrain. If distractions threaten to lure me away, let me hear and heed the prompting of Your Spirit. May I never turn away, around, or race ahead, but purposefully place each step in the imprint Your sandal leaves before me because Your footsteps are always safe to follow. Keep me faithful wherever You lead, until I dwell in Your house forever.

The Hand on the Handle

"Then the LORD closed the door behind them." Genesis 7:16b

When I walk through the neighbourhood I'm often drawn to the style of the front door on the homes I pass. I'm partial to the ones without any glass. A good solid door, usually dark in colour, with some shaker style framework in its design always takes my attention.

A front door is more than esthetic beauty; it is there to provide security. A door is a boundary between the outside world and an inner place of peace as it shuts out the noise and chaos that can surround us.

Doors are often mentioned throughout scripture. In John 10, Jesus refers to Himself as the door. In Acts 14:27 and 2 Cor 2:12 God opens a door for the gospel message to be heard. A door can often be synonymous with new opportunities. We like the idea of open doors. It implies the welcome of possibilities, adventures and freedom.

So, what's our reaction to closed doors? I think it really depends on seeing whose hand is on the handle. In Genesis after Noah completes the building of the ark and all his family and the animals God instructed are gathered inside, the text tells us that the LORD closed the door behind them. When God closes a door you don't need any other bolts or locks. Safety will not be in question. And, we love it, as long as it's a door we also wanted to see shut tight. What about when the door closing brings us disappointment? 

I'm praying that the Lord will teach me the value of a closed door. When God closes a door it is always for my good and His glory, even when I don't understand. There is mercy in every closed door. And, just because it's closed now doesn't mean it will never open. This time could be temporary as God is preparing me for when He will fling the door wide open with blessings beyond my imagination and it will be better than anything I could possibly hope. My trust is built during times of closed doors. Instead of viewing it as a time of confinement, I need to view it as refinement. God is getting me alone with Him and at His appointed time He will say, as He did to Noah, "Leave the boat" (Genesis 8:15). Lord, help me accept Your closed doors and make me open door ready for Your glory.

As Per Normal

"So God said to Noah...." Genesis 6:13a

This phrase caught my attention this morning because of it's casual insertion. Nothing surrounding it sounds miraculous. God didn't draw Noah's attention with wind, storm, fire or even a whisper. He observes what is happening in the world, and initiates a conversation with Noah. Imagine, the God of the universe coming to chat with you about His plans. To Noah it was natural and normal.

Earlier we read in Genesis 6:8-9 that Noah found favour in the eyes of the Lord, and that he walked in close fellowship with Him. There was intimacy. They had a relationship that invited mutual sharing. God didn't need Noah's advice or approval, but He chose Noah to share His observations and carry out His will.

Every day, through His word, a timely message, lyrics from a song, a conversation with a friend, and a variety of other ways, God speaks to us. Hearing from the Lord, although always miraculous, shouldn't be so surprising. If we are walking in close fellowship with God, we need to expect God to speak and anticipate Him interrupting our thoughts at any moment with His plans for our day. 

Noah's response? It says at the end of Genesis 6 that Noah did exactly what God directed. Presented with a staggering task before him, one that would take years to complete, we see immediate, simple obedience. God knew Noah would obey. Does He know that about me? Am I walking in close fellowship with God? Can I be trusted with His confidence? Does God have the assurance of my obedience? Would His voice today startle me because it's so unexpected, or has our time together through the years developed such intimacy that we do commune as Friend to friend? Lord help me to be living in a way that brings Your favour, and whether Your request is "Ark-sized" or "ant-sized", may I instantly obey, delighting in You.

Accepting "Excepts"

Genesis 3:13, "Then the LORD God asked the woman, 'What have you done?'"

Today's scripture reading had me in Genesis 1-3. I asked the Lord to open my eyes afresh to a new truth from a familiar passage. In Genesis 2:16 the Lord told Adam and Eve that they could "freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden, except..." one. They have an abundance of choice surrounding them, blessings galore, with a restriction on just one tree and that "except" becomes their focus. The serpent later draws their attention to the limitation and suddenly they are consumed with consuming its fruit.

If you're anything like me, God's question above sounds familiar. In a moment of weakness I have succumbed to an "except" that God has spoken, and I've walked in disobedience. He has given me countless gifts and provisions, yet the "don't eat" warning increases my desire. My heart has heard both His questioning and His heartache..."Joy, what have you done?"

Father as I walk into this new year, help me value Your "excepts" even when I don't understand. Help me to not resist but trust You. You have divine purposes that are rooted in Your goodness and unfailing love. Lord, when I fail, enable me to hear Your Spirit asking without condemnation, "What have you done?" and may I respond quickly in repentance, receiving Your love and forgiveness. Lord, may You and Your word be my daily delight and guide me to walk in the way of Your "everys" accepting Your "excepts".

Bigger Still

"Have you ever been in a situation where something little suddenly felt really big?" Lysa TerKeurst

As I read that question on a Facebook post the other morning, my heart skipped a beat.  YES!  Can I share a story with you?

In February of this year I had just wrapped up the paper work for Winter Interlude 2014, an annual event for women held at our church, and was beginning the search for speakers for the next two years.  I found an Internet site that had short bio's for over 100 Christian Women Speakers from around the globe.  I bowed my head and asked the Lord to direct my search, then with a cup of coffee and pen and paper, I began clicking into each link, watching and listening to teaching videos that had been uploaded to the web.

Suddenly my heart was resonating with a young gal who was sharing about her love for Jesus.  I did a double-take on her name.  Who was she?  Why hadn't I heard of her before? I considered myself fairly knowledgeable of Christian speakers after serving on the "Women of Grace" ministry team, and acting as a consultant for women's ministry events.  How did I ever miss hearing about this precious young girl who was surrendering her anything for God's everything?

I "Googled" her name.  Videos and links began appearing.  I started reading everything I could find.  I watched and listened to every download and video.  I went to Amazon and ordered a book she had authored, as well as one of her Bible studies.  

After a long time of inquiry and prayer, I put her name forward to our ministry team.  This began a long process that sadly ended in dates conflicting.  I'll admit...my heart was dashed.  I had felt such an instant tug of connection with this godly young woman.  I was certain the Lord had led me to find her.

On July 2nd I pulled out her book and began re-reading.  Tears flowed marking the pages.  I questioned the Lord, "Why did You lead me to find this young gal only to meet a dead-end path when it came to booking her for our event for 2016?  Why?  I'm confused.  I felt so confident it was You who lead me to her.  I don't understand."   

I came to a chapter where she quotes a blog post she had written in 2010.  It was entitled, "Falling into Obedience".  Writing about her life being a "domino", she says: 

"But what if I laid down my life, my domino, and through that unleashed an army of others who laid down and unleashed their obedience, and through this matrix, God's glory was displayed through the laying down of lives in the midst of a generation?"

I saw myself as an affected "domino".  I was one little "domino" in this matrix.  I felt the Lord unleashing something in me that was so much bigger than "finding a speaker for an event".  In the quietness of my heart I heard God whisper to me:  Joy, I have led you to Jennie because there is something I want to birth in you.  I know your heart is ready.  I know you love Me.  I'm calling you to a new obedience.  I led you to Jennie just for you.   Just for me Lord?  You love me so much You'd go to all this work just for me?  Yes

I thought of "little actions" that suddenly "felt big".  I considered Simeon who was "moved by the Spirit" to enter the temple, a little action, not knowing the bigger revelation that would take place that day as he held the Savior (Luke 2:25-32).  I thought of Zechariah, who, because of the lot that fell to him, was in the right place at the right time to have an encounter with the Lord that spoke of the miraculous gift of a son to be born (Luke 1:8-20).  A little act of obedience with divine proportion.

My "little something" of sitting at my kitchen counter in February looking for a speaker, suddenly felt really big.  God was in this.

After feeling God's undeniable call on my life and becoming a Local Leader for "IF", the ministry for which Jennie is the founder and visionary,  I hosted the first event in August, where "Two Little Dominoes" gathered.

This past Tuesday, September 23, 2014, I opened God's Word early in the morning and through the prophet Joel, the Lord spoke to me "Gather the people...", "call a sacred assembly".  He said, "I will gather all nations..."   "Come quickly, all you nations from every side, and assemble there.  Bring down your warriors, LORD!  Let the nations be roused..." (Joel 1:14, 2:15-16, 3:2, 11-12)

The nations were roused on Tuesday evening.  Hosting "IF:Pray", women around the world met in homes, churches, parks, schools, and empty buildings to pray.  The menu was simple.  Prayer.  The results miraculous.

There were eleven women who answered God's call and met in my home.  Three different churches were represented.  Two ladies appeared at my door and just asked, "Are you Joy?"  I looked into their precious faces and responded, "You must be here to pray."  Only God can do this!  Only God!

After over two hours of kneeling at the feet of Jesus and joining together praying for our Pastors, our churches, our personal walks with the Lord, our neighbourhoods, our country, foreign missions, for God's plan for each of our lives, for unity, for unsaved friends and loved ones, confessing our own sins and praising and worshiping our Savior, we hugged and knew without a doubt, this was not the end, just the beginning.  God's Spirit was so present, He took our breath away.  

Something "little", searching for a speaker, had NOTHING to do with planning an event, but everything to do with God drawing me close to His side and inviting me on this amazing journey.  I am completely overwhelmed and humbled by His call.  I'm not exactly certain of what is next, but I know there IS a next and I know God will be in it.  Already more women are contacting me and asking, "When is the next prayer event?"  Falling to my knees and seeking Him.

When something begins to feel "big", take a deep breath and get ready and be thankful that God is bigger still.  AMEN

(The picture above is missing three gals who came later.  My photographer, aka husband, had left by the time they arrived.)

Here's the video that started it all.  Thank You Lord, and bless you Jennie.